Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit. -Prov. 18:21 (NET2)

One again, I think I will expound upon the virtue of keeping one’s mouth shut when the situation calls for restraint. Having been married for a while I know how difficult it can be to live with someone and have conflict, even though you may love that person very much and not wish to imagine life without them. Still there are times in any couple’s life (in fact, any human relationship) where disagreements occur and need to get resolved. Sometimes, they require some temperance of tongue to find the needed resolution. James understood that well, as did the author of Proverbs. In fact, an interesting thing is that the very next verse in Proverbs discusses the benefit of finding a good wife! There are no coincidences with our LORD. I thank God for my marriage and the difficulties that sometimes happen, as they are catalyst to grow closer to the Lord and each other. As a result, our marriage bond is strong and I would not wish to think about going through this life without it. Such can be the case in any human relationship where God is involved.

For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind. But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God’s image. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? Neither can a salt water spring produce fresh water. -James 3:7-12 (NET2)

There is much more in James 3 than just the verses I listed above. I think it would do anyone good to sit down and read the chapter, prayerfully meditating on what it says. Perhaps you might want to ask yourself if you have said or done anything today that might adversely affect another human being, be they a brother or sister in the LORD or someone who you should be trying to win to Christ? I know I sometimes do not like the answer I receive when I spend quiet time with the LORD in self-examination.